Game:

Gargoyle's Quest II (1992)

Duration: 2:30:24

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Originally recorded: May 23, 2024
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So, before I discuss this stream, I guess I might as well share what I've learned since I surrendered to Ghosts 'n Goblins. So, it seems across the various versions of the game -- whether referring to console ports or even arcade revisions -- it seems like my choice was one that most people tend to avoid. The vast majority of info out there seems to surround the NES release, obviously the best way to play at home before emulating the arcade version was feasible. But what's even more interesting is that the bulk of the speedruns I've found online have been for the Japan-exclusive "Revision G", a version that, among other things, makes "dealing damage to the Satan boss way less random".

I can't put into words the emotions that statement made me feel -- whether it's accurate or not. The closest I could come would probably just involve slamming my fists on my keyboard for a solid hour. Either way, if I ever decide to revisit this game, I've got a few potential options. Too bad none of them involve keeping the progress I've managed to make.

With that out of the way, let's move onto a happier topic. Gargoyle's Quest II is likely going to end up being my favorite game of this whole batch at this point, which is hilarious given that it was a last-minute substitution. I played the original GQ years ago via the 3DS Virtual Console and I honestly wanted to tackle its direct sequel -- or prequel, as it apparently is -- before partaking in the cult classic Demon's Crest. Originally, I was planning to do this alongside Crest next year, but I think I've managed to source an appropriate replacement...

Apparently, there was also a Game Boy port of GQ2 as well that added a little more content, but it was exclusive to Japan... and I had no idea there was a fan translation until after this very stream. And it turns out that one just ported the script from the original NES release, which is especially weird because there's apparently also a retranslation patch for the original GQ.

This game deviates heavily from the mainline GnG series, mainly because the controls and mechanics aren't remotely maso-core. The adventure elements are also interesting, but the bulk of the game takes place in short platforming levels. It reminds me a lot of Zelda II... only way more competently designed. And while it can be confusing at times to figure out where to go next, the townspeople (townsdemons? townsmonsters?) actually help you out this time around! No cryptic BS, no mistranslated gibberish, just straightforward advice.

I'll be firing up Ghouls 'n Ghosts next time around. From what I can tell, it's generally considered the easiest game of the original GnG trilogy by a wide margin, so hopefully I'll be able to tackle the rest of this slate before moving onto whatever's next.

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